Volume XVIII: Father's Day Weekend

Calling a dad “father” is about as rare as calling dinner “supper” or fall “autumn.” But it’s Father’s Day on Sunday, so go ahead and call your dad whatever you call him, and let the old man know you’re thinking about him.

I. Like father, like son 🧑‍🧒

With roots in Hebrew scripture, Greek literature, and Latin sayings like “Qualis pater, talis filius”—“As the father, so the son”, this timeless idea has echoed through history into the phrase we know today.

We all looked up to our old man growing up, and whether you like it or not, you’re slowly becoming him. From falling asleep halfway through a show, to refusing to ask for directions, to barking “just hold the damn light!” during a botched DIY project, it’s all part of the transformation.

So this Father’s Day, take a good, hard look at your dad, because that’s you in a quarter century, my friend.

II. Chip off the old block 🧱

In woodworking and masonry, a chip is just a small piece cut from a larger block of cedar or granite. Often broken off but it’s still the same material, same structure.

The phrase dates back to the 1600s, when writers like John Milton used it to describe children who closely resemble their parents. It stuck because it’s true: whether it’s personality, ginger hair, or the obnoxious laugh someone boasts, some things just aren’t taught, they’re inherited.

III. Put some hair on your chest 💈

The first time you saw chest hair, I’d bet it was on your old man. You were scared, intrigued, maybe even a little confused. But it stuck with you: this guy was older, tougher, probably a little weathered. A dad, through and through.

The phrase means growing up a bit. Guarding the 6'6" guy in pickup, even if it means catching an elbow to the ribs. Taking that black coffee straight to the dome. The kind of stuff your dad might have done without blinking — and expected you to do too.

Keep on sending on. Forward to a friend.